We said: Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff is one of the league’s brighter minds, but he’s been paying for his misses on both sides of the line. Last season, Lamar Holmes and Sam Baker failed to protect Matt Ryan’s blind side and create openings for the run game. Matthews, as the 2014 draft’s most practiced and polished lineman, should be a plug-and-play option for the next few years.

We said: Clowney may be the best fit for the pass rush-deficient Falcons, so much so that they might give one of the top three teams a buzz to gauge trade wishes. Sitting at No. 6 and having the choice between Matthews and Khalil Mack would not be too disappointing as a backup plan. The choice here is Matthews because of how porous the Falcons are on the edges offensively. With how much they throw the football, adding a tackle comfortable dropping into protection would be a huge boost.

Round 2, pick 37: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington

We said: Atlanta gets its Tony Gonzalez replacement and a guy who should aid the run game with his blocking.

We said: Everyone from owner Arthur Blank on down in Atlanta has conceded that the offensive line's struggles were a big component of the Falcons' downfall in 2013. After watching quarterback Matt Ryan take a pounding last season, Atlanta should be in position to sit back and let either the gifted Robinson or Texas A&M's ultra-solid Jake Matthews help them upgrade the offensive tackle situation at No. 6. Robinson is an athletic freak at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, with both the power to clear holes for the running game and the agility to handle speed rushers in pass protection.

We said: Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff is one of the league’s most respected personnel men, but his failures on both lines are coming home to roost more and more. This team lacks a consistent pass rusher, can be beaten inside in the run game, and protection is a fairly major issue. In Robinson, the Falcons will at least have a player capable of taking care of Matt Ryan’s blindside and clearing the way in the run game. Robinson is a mauler who needs technical refinement, but the Falcons need to start amassing pure physical talent at the heart of their franchise.

We said: The Falcons’ pass rush (like its offensive line) was a complete mess in 2013 — it generated just 32 sacks all season, third-worst in the league. Atlanta needs to adjust, both in scheme and in personnel. Mack would upgrade the latter while driving changes to the former. The Seahawks have popularized the “Leo” linebacker position, which combines elements of the DE and OLB positions. Mack could play that role for the Falcons.

We said: Disappointing turn of events for the Falcons, who would love to add Clowney. (How about a trade up to Jacksonville’s spot, with the Jaguars sliding down and taking Derek Carr here?) That O-line needs a makeover, too, and Matthews is the best tackle available.

We said: Mack’s stock shot through the roof with a strong season-opening performance against Ohio State (nine tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception return for a touchdown). Though undrafted rookie Joplo Bartu has been a pleasant surprise for the Falcons thus far, they could use a disruptive force outside.

We said: Yankey slid out to tackle from guard for 2012. His NFL future might be back on the interior of the line. Either way, that versatility will only serve to drive up his draft stock. Tennessee’s Antonio Richardson is another tackle to watch.